# Politics & Elections **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=301 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 302 --- ## [Flip flopper supreme](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flip-flopper-supreme/630091)
**Author:** [@onecut39](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/onecut39)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2012, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/flip-flopper-supreme/630091 "2012-08-08T04:21:36Z")
Here are a couple of lists for Romney flip flops and flip flop flips. How a serious presidential candidate can get away this this is beyond my comprehension. Stay tuned I am sure this list will have many additions befor… --- ## [Does money buy elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-money-buy-elections/629968)
**Author:** [@Dwindlehop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dwindlehop)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-money-buy-elections/629968 "2012-08-07T16:37:57Z")
Has there ever been any kind of study done on what the effect of a marginal $1 contribution to a U.S. presidential campaign is, in terms of election outcome? I understand that often political contributions are a functio… --- ## [No access to ballet (?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-access-to-ballet/630547)
**Author:** [@GreedySmurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreedySmurf)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2012, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-access-to-ballet/630547 "2012-08-07T14:50:52Z")
We just got an ‘interest’ piece on the news over here in Oz, about the nomination of Roseanne Barr for a minor party (not that Roseanne). The comment was made about the party, that it doesn’t have access to the ballot i… --- ## [Historical electoral mistakes and do-overs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-electoral-mistakes-and-do-overs/629848)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2012, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/historical-electoral-mistakes-and-do-overs/629848 "2012-08-06T21:52:34Z")
With what we know now about polling, and a little 20-20 hindsight, are there close elections where one crucial state should have been targeted by a losing candidate? What are some examples where a candidate, in hindsight… --- ## [Sheldon Adelson: is he Romney's "bankroller"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheldon-adelson-is-he-romneys-bankroller/629847)
**Author:** [@PrettyVacant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PrettyVacant)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2012, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheldon-adelson-is-he-romneys-bankroller/629847 "2012-08-06T11:24:40Z")
Given he’s going to inform chunks of US foreign policy if The Twitt wins, I wondered if media in the US ponders him or his potential power very much? I got this from The Guardian today (link to full article below): Of… --- ## [Obama, Joe Wilson and D.L. Hughley](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-joe-wilson-and-d-l-hughley/630146)
**Author:** [@denquixote](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/denquixote)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2012, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-joe-wilson-and-d-l-hughley/630146 "2012-08-05T04:19:37Z")
I was watching D.L. Hughley (I think) on “The Ed Show” when he said that among the things he would criticize President Obama for would be his failure to have Joe Wilson removed from the House chamber when he shouted “you… --- ## [Is Romney hiding immorality, criminality, both, or neither?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-romney-hiding-immorality-criminality-both-or-neither/627740)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-romney-hiding-immorality-criminality-both-or-neither/627740 "2012-08-04T23:46:26Z")
I am not a huge fan of Paul Krugman and his ‘we need government stimulus’ mantra. That being said, I was deeply impressed with his most recent New York Times column. I urge you to read it - shouldn’t take more than a cou… --- ## [What are the chances that Obama cruises into his second term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-that-obama-cruises-into-his-second-term/612859)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-chances-that-obama-cruises-into-his-second-term/612859 "2012-08-04T22:07:44Z")
With the rotating clown show the Republicans are putting on this election cycle (Is it Romney? Perry? Gingrich? Santorum? Bachman? Cain? Romney again? Whee! Nobody knows!), and the fact that each one has seemed to… --- ## [Tea Party darling defeats establishment candidate in Texas senate race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-party-darling-defeats-establishment-candidate-in-texas-senate-race/630057)
**Author:** [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tea-party-darling-defeats-establishment-candidate-in-texas-senate-race/630057 "2012-08-04T17:31:56Z")
Ted Cruz beat Lt. Governor David Dewhurst last night in a runoff election for the GOP nomination in the race for Kay Bailey Hutchison’s senate seat. I used to live in Texas, but haven’t kept up much with the politics… --- ## ["The ObamaCare Tax"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-obamacare-tax/626601)
**Author:** [@bahia\_hombre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bahia_hombre)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-obamacare-tax/626601 "2012-08-04T16:25:25Z")
To coin a phrase…Stephen Moore jumps out front in the WSJ: --- ## [Why No Voting Test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-voting-test/629999)
**Author:** [@Doctor\_Khumalo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doctor_Khumalo)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-voting-test/629999 "2012-08-04T04:31:46Z")
The Constitution leaves the process of selecting electors to each state. Various amendments prohibit the states from denying the vote on the basis of race, sex, age, or the ability to pay a poll tax. There is no individu… --- ## [The stupidity of politics gets to me sometimes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-stupidity-of-politics-gets-to-me-sometimes/630264)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-stupidity-of-politics-gets-to-me-sometimes/630264 "2012-08-04T04:16:53Z")
Some of these so called political strategists really need to stop over thinking things. This article about Romney and his wife’s Olympic horse is just so silly. I have trouble believing Americans care one bit that Romne… --- ## [Does anyone actually like Romney?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-actually-like-romney/629704)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 230\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2012, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-actually-like-romney/629704 "2012-08-04T02:35:46Z")
It reading these forums, and even the press, I note that lots of the right will vote for Romney because he isn’t Obama, but I’ve not noticed anyone actually excited about it. We’ve seen the tepid endorsements. So, is an… --- ## [Abolish the Executive branch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abolish-the-executive-branch/630168)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abolish-the-executive-branch/630168 "2012-08-02T23:23:57Z")
Mitt Romney Better Move to Right, Says Emboldened Tea Party The Executive branch of the government is meant to be a check on the Legislative branch. It seems that some people believe that the Executive should be a pup… --- ## [Romney seems to say he'll consider Jerusalem capital of Israel. Effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-seems-to-say-hell-consider-jerusalem-capital-of-israel-effect/629792)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romney-seems-to-say-hell-consider-jerusalem-capital-of-israel-effect/629792 "2012-08-02T19:22:08Z")
While in Israel, of course. What does this mean, exactly? What effect will it have on this election, on foreign relations for the next few months, and so on? --- ## [Why didn't Jerry Walk?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-jerry-walk/629009)
**Author:** [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-jerry-walk/629009 "2012-08-02T16:49:31Z")
Watergate was a scandal about cheating in the 1972 election. Why didn’t Gerald Ford, upon succeeding to the office of President, appoint George McGovern vice-president, then resign? --- ## [The Euro will determine the next President...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-euro-will-determine-the-next-president/621849)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-euro-will-determine-the-next-president/621849 "2012-08-02T15:56:23Z")
Since there were complaints about “hijacking” discussion of the French elections with speculation on how it affects ours, I decided to move this to a new thread. Conventional wisdom is: if the economy is bad, Obama will… --- ## [Why can't I sell my vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-sell-my-vote/627328)
**Author:** [@Enkel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enkel)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2012, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-cant-i-sell-my-vote/627328 "2012-08-02T13:45:33Z")
Federal Law against selling votes: 18 USC § 597 - Expenditures to influence voting Current through Pub. L. 112-123. (See Public Laws for the current Congress.) Whoever makes or offers to make an expenditure to any per… --- ## [Let’s play "Obama invites Romney for a secret meet in the WH." You’re Romney.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-play-obama-invites-romney-for-a-secret-meet-in-the-wh-you-re-romney/628791)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2012, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-s-play-obama-invites-romney-for-a-secret-meet-in-the-wh-you-re-romney/628791 "2012-08-01T20:31:33Z")
Obama: \[to Secret Service agents\] Uh, that’s okay, guys, you can wait outside now, thanks. \[They leave.\] Uh, good of you to meet with me, Governor. You got in without being seen, I assume, an’ you’re okay with the guid… --- ## [Mr Candidate goes to London](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-candidate-goes-to-london/629485)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 267\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2012, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mr-candidate-goes-to-london/629485 "2012-08-01T13:47:39Z")
Romney’s visit to Britain isn’t going so well. He disses the Brits’ prepararation for the Olympics and refers to Ed Miliband as Mr Leader. The British papers are all over him. Seriously what is Romney thinking? Does h… --- ## [Once Again Romney Says The Same Thing As Obama But Claims It's Different](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-again-romney-says-the-same-thing-as-obama-but-claims-its-different/629484)
**Author:** [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2012, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/once-again-romney-says-the-same-thing-as-obama-but-claims-its-different/629484 "2012-07-30T21:46:20Z")
Not quite 3 months ago, President Obama gave a speech in Kabul, following a visit with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan, during which they came to a mutual agreement on upcoming U.S. troop withdrawal from that count… --- ## [What's the electoral impact of the Supreme Court upholding the Affordable Care Act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-electoral-impact-of-the-supreme-court-upholding-the-affordable-care-act/626581)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-electoral-impact-of-the-supreme-court-upholding-the-affordable-care-act/626581 "2012-07-30T18:54:31Z")
I think it looks like a surprise win for the President- and will help in a little. The American people historically like success. --- ## [An Official SDMB Election Poll?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-official-sdmb-election-poll/629536)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2012, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-official-sdmb-election-poll/629536 "2012-07-28T07:27:58Z")
Just asking but when would be an ideal time to set up a semi-offical SDMB 2012 US Presidential Election Poll? I want to have both people on the ticket in the poll options and want the Libertarian and Green (and whatever … --- ## [Is Romney buying Twitter followers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-romney-buying-twitter-followers/629016)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2012, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-romney-buying-twitter-followers/629016 "2012-07-27T14:23:22Z")
I didn’t know such a thing was possible, but… From Little Green Footballs I don’t follow the campaigns much; did something happen on or around July 20th that could have results in such an upswing of subscribers? Woul… --- ## [US House Elections 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-elections-2012/629406)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2012, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-house-elections-2012/629406 "2012-07-27T04:16:28Z")
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/us/politics/republicans-and-democrats-fight-for-control-of-the-house.html?pagewanted=all The map here: http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/ratings/house?ref=politics definately favours th… --- ## [Death of the elected before being sworn into office.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-of-the-elected-before-being-sworn-into-office/627936)
**Author:** [@janeslogin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/janeslogin)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-of-the-elected-before-being-sworn-into-office/627936 "2012-07-26T16:21:37Z")
This is the sort of question that must have been asked and answered every four, perhaps every two years. What happens if the elected president and vice president, not incumbent, get offed before the inauguration? Take 2… --- ## [Rutgers, et al.: Security flaws could taint 2012 election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rutgers-et-al-security-flaws-could-taint-2012-election/629418)
**Author:** [@Patty\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patty_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rutgers-et-al-security-flaws-could-taint-2012-election/629418 "2012-07-26T14:10:46Z")
From Countingvotes, reporting on a Rutgers study: \[Emphasis mine; footnotes removed\] The report ranks states from worst to best in the following five areas: \[ol\] \[li\]Does the state require paper ballots or records o… --- ## [Does current political discourse depress you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-current-political-discourse-depress-you/628589)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-current-political-discourse-depress-you/628589 "2012-07-26T00:32:50Z")
Because I am a Texas public school teacher (still employed :D), I’ve had a surplus of spare time for the past few weeks due to summer vacation. I’ve taken care of various minor chores around the house, spent time with t… --- ## [US Economy Now vs. 1992 (Bush vs Clinton election)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-economy-now-vs-1992-bush-vs-clinton-election/629221)
**Author:** [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2012, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-economy-now-vs-1992-bush-vs-clinton-election/629221 "2012-07-25T13:46:49Z")
Our economy is struggling, to put it lightly, much as it was in 1992 when George H. W. Bush was defeated by Bill Clinton. My question is, how does the country’s current economical situation compare to that of similar mon… --- ## [If We Elect Romney President, Does War With Iran Become Very, Very Likely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-elect-romney-president-does-war-with-iran-become-very-very-likely/629040)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2012, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-elect-romney-president-does-war-with-iran-become-very-very-likely/629040 "2012-07-24T14:49:53Z")
As we all know there has been a steady drumbeat toward starting a war with Iranon the right over the past several months. Furthermore, the guys likely to be tapped as foreign policy staff by Romney are the same neocon h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=300) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/politics-elections/22.md?page=302)